What gifts do college students like to receive from friends and family?

First, college students love to laugh and enjoy good reasons to smile. Look for surprises to send along that either poke fun at fond memories, kid them in ways you know bring smiles, or are just funny in themselves. If they have favorite celebrities, sport heroes, tv shows or movies, memorabilia related to these interests can be a great gift, too. Second, care packages with favorite things to eat never go out of fashion. Cookies, candies and other sweets or snacks are often more than welcome. If there’s a family tradition around a holiday or birthday, send along that treat – or just send a theme goodie box for Halloween or Easter. Gift cards to local restaurants are a great idea. Third, a new seasonal clothing item to replace something old and ratty, or forgotten and left home, is a great gift. New hats, mittens or scarves are great as the snow begins to fly. Sweaters, sweatshirts and other choices need to be the right sizes, colors and fashions, but you know your student best and will do fine if you remember their taste. Fourth, think about their interests and go for something you know they like. Send the fisherman some tackle, the golfer some new balls, the reader the latest hot novel. Many students depend on their electronics, so if you know what they have and what they need, get accessories for their phone, GPS, or lap top. And if this student has a car, a gas card or special auto accessory will be a winner.